Rating: 
Summary: Top reference book!
Review: There is nothing in this book that is not in any other literary terms book. However, it's the quality, not quantity (isn't that what they always say? Well, it's true this time). The way that terms are defined makes sense to everyone, not just the avid writer or reader of literature. For example, look up 'Heroic Couplets' elsewhere and you'll find broad, vague definitions with little or no description. Well, think again when it comes to Mr. Abrams version of interpretation. Also, the way the book is structured is clever in itself. When looking up one definition, it leads to other words that are unknown, thus making full use of the book. If you have any desire to write or just want a better understanding of what terms are being thrown at you in text, consult this gem. If you don't agree, contact me and I'll refund your money (okay, that was a joke). Wise investment.
Rating:
Summary: Review of M.H. Abrams' Glossary of Literary Terms
Review: This is a very well-researched encyclopedia covering almost any literary term that comes to mind. Try it, look up the term as if using a dictionary and one finds a clearly written paragraph, if not essay, that explains it all. It also provides links that can point the reader in different directions. In the event of literary jargon overload, there is no better treatment currently available.
As a student, this is an essential reference for me, but it is also something that I would want to keep forever as I think it would be very difficult to find such a useful, interesting and intellectually credible/incredible guide to literary terms. As a future teacher I look forward to using this book for many years to come.
Rating:
Summary: thorough and useful reference
Review: Whether you are a student of literature or just looking to expand your understanding of it, you'll find this comprehensive yet accessible reference extremely useful. Abrams has compiled a fairly exhaustive glossary of (Western) literary terms. His succinct explanations are reinforced by familiar examples. When necessary, he also provides historical background to a word or phrase. Cross-referenced terms are highlighted within the descriptions, and the book includes an index of authors and of terms. This is a very easy reference to use, concise in its definitions, thorough in its content, and overall, well organized.
Rating:
Summary: thorough and useful reference
Review: Whether you are a student of literature or just looking to expand your understanding of it, you'll find this comprehensive yet accessible reference extremely useful. Abrams has compiled a fairly exhaustive glossary of (Western) literary terms. His succinct explanations are reinforced by familiar examples. When necessary, he also provides historical background to a word or phrase. Cross-referenced terms are highlighted within the descriptions, and the book includes an index of authors and of terms. This is a very easy reference to use, concise in its definitions, thorough in its content, and overall, well organized.
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